This article is derived from a recent proclamation by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Governance (NOAA).
Black Swift Technologies (BST) has developed the S0 unmanned aerial system (UAS), which is currently one of three small UAS platforms under evaluation by NOAA for hurricane research. This initiative aims too sample the perilous lower regions of tropical cyclones. In 2018, BST received a Phase I Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) grant to explore the scientific, technical, and commercial viability of utilizing this platform for boundary layer observations in turbulent conditions.
NOAA’s SBIR Program was created to foster innovative research that aligns with NOAA’s mission of science, service, and stewardship. Businesses that qualify are assessed based on their innovation, technical merit, and potential market impact. Following the initial grant, BST was awarded a Phase II SBIR grant to further develop a commercially viable prototype.
Figure 1: Conceptual design of the air-deployed Black Swift S0 for hurricane research
The S0 was engineered to meet specific technical goals set by NOAA, which included:
- Maintaining a considerably lower cost per UAS compared to similar platforms to facilitate more frequent operations and broader adoption by NOAA
- Capability to measure three-dimensional winds along with temperature, humidity, and pressure
- Providing sea surface characterization through a laser altimeter and thermal infrared sensor
- Endurance of 1-2 hours during cruise flight
- integration with the existing radio system used for dropsondes to transmit data back to the aircraft
- A user-friendly interface for pre-programming the aircraft
- Autonomous sampling capabilities, allowing the aircraft to navigate based on atmospheric sensor data.
A key factor in the success of the S0 UAS platform was Black Swift’s ability to simplify and reduce the weight of the vehicle compared to existing models, achieving a significant cost reduction while preserving endurance and measurement quality. These features also caught the attention of the United States Air Force, which announced an SBIR solicitation for a tactical weather drone capable of autonomously conducting atmospheric profiling to enhance cargo drop accuracy and localized weather forecasts for Air Force and Special Operations Forces. Unlike the UAS designed for NOAA, which is tube-launched, the USAF required a vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) aircraft, yet many flight characteristics, such as operation in high wind conditions, were similar to the original S0 UAS.
The Black Swift team assessed their existing design and concluded that with minor modifications, the S0 could fulfill the USAF’s requirements. This led to the creation of the Black Swift S0-VTOL, a compact, rugged UAS capable of carrying various sensors, including a complete atmospheric sampling suite or lightweight electro-optical/infrared cameras. While the fuselage design remained largely unchanged,the wing structure,engine mounts,and tail design were all re-engineered to enable vertical takeoff and landing (figure 2).
Figure 2: the revamped S0 with VTOL capabilities
The Air Force not only awarded Black Swift technologies the SBIR Phase I contract but was also impressed enough to grant them the Phase II SBIR contract for further development of their UAS design.
The S0-VTOL is an advanced UAS designed for autonomous operations at altitudes reaching 15,000 feet above ground level (AGL). It features rapid ascent and descent capabilities and incorporates custom algorithms for wind estimation, enabling it to swiftly and accurately capture three-dimensional wind profiles.The user interface supports automated sampling patterns and high-level mission scripting, facilitating “launch-and-forget” operations (figure 3).
figure 3: Sample flight pattern executed by the S0-VTOL to quickly assess wind speed, direction, and other thermodynamic parameters at altitudes up to 15,000 ft. AGL
Both versions of Black Swift’s S0 were developed with funding from the SBIR program. This initiative, which recognizes and rewards technological innovation, is vital for the growth and sustainability of small businesses like Black Swift Technologies and serves as a pathway to their future success.
